Murrayfield offers to host all-Edinburgh semi

Hearts and Hibernian have been offered the use of Murrayfield rather than Hampden for their Scottish Cup semi-final, meaning less travel for both sets of fans.

The 67,800-capacity rugby stadium would also better meet the demand for tickets. The offer will be welcomed by Hearts, who have already written to the Scottish Football Association requesting that the tie be switched.

"Scottish Rugby confirmed today they have approached the SFA about the possibility of Murrayfield hosting a Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final," a statement read. "The all-Edinburgh semi-final takes place on the weekend of April 1-2 and Murrayfield could provide a neutral home venue in the capital, as an alternative to Hampden.

"It is expected that the SFA will be consulting those clubs still participating in the tournament and the relevant authorities as to the merits of using Murrayfield for the Edinburgh derby match."

Gordon McKie, the SRU's chief executive added: "If the SFA, Hibs and Hearts want to offer their fans an Edinburgh venue I think Murrayfield fits the bill perfectly. It's bigger than Hampden and cuts out any travelling issues. We have excellent relations with both clubs and they'd be welcome."

Hearts believe fans would benefit from the tie being switched. "We prefer to look at the possibility of using Murrayfield as a positive move for the game of football in Scotland while also acknowledging the logistical issues that such a tie throws up," a spokesman said.

"There is little doubt that Hearts and Hibs would fill the stadium and what an advert that would be for the game in this country, particularly given the UK-wide TV coverage of the match."

The Hearts forward Roman Bednar has avoided an increased punishment for his sending off in the win over Partick Thistle in last Saturday's Scottish Cup tie. The Czech was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon for diving and was then caught by TV cameras sarcastically applauding the referee Craig Thomson's decision to issue him the yellow and red.

Bednar's ironic applause could easily have earned him a further suspension had the incident been mentioned in the match official's report. "We have received the referee's match report and the only mention of the player concerns the two cautions which resulted in the sending-off," said Drew Herbertson, the SFA's head of discipline. "As a result the matter is now closed." PA